Events

January –June Calendar of Events

All outdoor events are subject to weather conditions and/or date changes. Events will be postponed or cancelled when dangerous conditions or heavy weather are forecasted. For more information, please contact (207) 647-4352, stewardship@lelt.org or check our website at www.lelt.org for updates and additional activities. For hikes and work days, always wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the weather conditions and varied terrain. Bring a map, water and snacks with you. Obedient dogs are welcome at LELT events unless specified. “Like” us on Facebook for information on upcoming programs!

Snowshoe Hike at Intervale January 20, Harrison

The Crooked River is famous for Landlocked salmon, brook trout, towering pines and exceptional water quality. Join us at the Intervale Preserve for what will prove to be a fascinating hike and talk along the banks of this magnificent AA rated river. Meet at the parking area on Scribner’s Mill Road at 9:00 AM. Approximately 3 hours. Moderate to strenuous

Great Maine Outdoor Weekend February 10, Bridgton

The GMOW weekend features a variety of fun outdoor family activities across the Northeast. Join Loon Echo staff for a snowshoe hike and scavenger hunt at Five Fields Farm and Bald Pate Mountain Preserve in Bridgton on Saturday February 10. Five Fields Farm has generously waived their snowshoe rental fee for the day. Warming hut, hot drinks and yummy snacks will be available. Meet at Five Fields Farm and XC Center 720 South Bridgton Road at at 9:00 AM. Approximately 3 hours Moderate to strenuous

Winter Film Night: Racing Extinction February 16, Bridgton

Join Loon Echo Staff from 6-8PM as we show the documentary “Racing Extinction” at our Depot Street office. Scientists predict that humanity’s footprint on the planet may cause the loss of 50% of all species by the end of the century. Director Louie Psihoyos has crafted an ambitious mission to clearly and artfully pull into focus our impact on the planet, while inspiring us all to embrace the solutions that will ensure a thriving, biodiverse world for future generations. Seating is limited. Approximately 2 hours. Easy

Sunset-Moonrise Hike March 31, Bridgton

Join Loon Echo staff for what proves to be a very popular hike when conditions allow! Guests will meet at the main parking area at Bald Pate Mountain Preserve at 6:00 PM for the 30 minute scramble to the summit. The sun will set at 7:05 and the full Pink Moon will rise at 7:25. This also happens to be a Blue Moon (the second full moon of a month). Along the way, guests will learn the great story of how Bald Pate Mountain was permanently protected, the critters that call it “home” and its future management. Snowshoes or traction devices may be required. Don’t forget your headlamp for the return trip! Water and snacks always encouraged. Approximately 2 hours. Moderate

Trail Work at Pleasant Mountain April 14, Denmark

Interested in trail maintenance? Come along with Loon Echo and Maine AMC volunteers as we make our return to the Ledges Trail after the long winter, Saturday April 14. Clearing drainage, building rock steps and removing brush will be on the agenda if conditions allow. Tools and training provided. Appropriate work clothes, pants and boots required, plenty of water and snacks always encouraged. Meet at the Ledges trail head parking area at 7:45 AM. Approximately 6 hours. Strenuous

Earth Day Cleanup April 21, Bridgton

Meet staff from Loon Echo and Lakes Environmental Association at the Bridgton Community center at 9 AM, Saturday April 21 for a morning of cleaning up Bridgton streets. Work boots, gloves, bug spray and water recommended. Afterwards, stay for a picnic put on by the Bridgton Community Center. Approximately 3 hours. Easy to Moderate.

Earth Day Hike April 22, Bridgton

Join Loon Echo staff and friends as we make the trek to the rocky summit of Bald Pate on Saturday April 22, at 3:00 PM. Feel free to share music, poems or stories that embody the spirit of the day. Sturdy hiking boots or shoes, water and snacks recommended. Approximately 2 hours. Easy to moderate

Vernal Pool Experience May 5, Denmark

Vernal pools are temporary bodies of water found in our forested lands in the spring. By late spring these pools dry up for the remainder of the year but not before they provide an important breeding habitat to a variety of animals such as wood frogs, spotted salamanders and the rare fairy shrimp. Join Loon Echo Biologist Paul Miller to learn more about these unique bodies of water and why they are important indicators of forest health. Access to the pool is a short ~5-minute walk in from the Ledges Trail parking area, however, sturdy, waterproof hiking boots or shoes are recommended. Bring your binoculars as migrating birds may join us! Meet at the Ledges parking area at 10:00 AM. Approximately 2 hours. Easy to Moderate

Spring Bird Migration Talk May 9, Harrison 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Join Loon Echo Biologist Paul Miller at the Harrison Village Library as he presents an informative talk about the spring migration of birds. Every year during spring migration, millions of birds head north to breed after spending the winter in warmer places as far away as South America. Many of these long distance travelers stop in Maine to breed, as others continue into Canada as far north as the Arctic. Learn what conditions are ideal for viewing migrants, species of interest to look for, as well as helpful resources online for tracking bird migration. This program is being held in advance of Loon Echo’s Bird Watching and Identification at Dunning Bridge the following Friday, May 11th. Easy

Bird Watching and Identification at Dunning Bridge May 11, Bridgton

Join Loon Echo and Lakes Environmental Association staff as they welcome bird watcher and columnist Jean Preis to the Dunning Memorial Bridge at Pondicherry Park to observe migratory birds as they make their way back from the south. If conditions allow, warblers will be the main attraction! Birders of all levels are welcome. Binoculars and a field guide to birds of the region are recommended. The Dunning memorial Bridge is accessible to folks of all ages and abilities. Please no dogs for this event. Meet at the main kiosk on Depot St at 7:00 AM. Approximately 3 hours. Easy

Children’s Wildflower Walk and Exploration May 12, Casco

Interested in getting your budding naturalist outside and on the trail? Loon Echo staff invite children and their families to Mayberry Hill Preserve for a nature walk filled with trail activities and games to help your child learn more about the natural world around them. Parents and caregivers will learn tips and tricks for making outdoor adventures with their kids fun and educational. Meet at the trailhead at 10 am. Easy

National Trails Day June 2

Come along with Loon Echo staff on a trail project, location TBD

Summer Solstice Hike June 21st, Bridgton

Join us for the annual Summer Solstice Hike up Bald Pate Mountain. Meet at the main parking area at 3:00 PM. This annual trek has been a Loon Echo tradition for nearly 20 years, a fun way to welcome summer’s arrival! Feel free to share music, poems or stories that embody the spirit of the day. Sturdy hiking boots or shoes, water and snacks are always encouraged. Approximately 2 hours. Easy to moderate

Loon Echo Land Trust offers a monthly event on one of our preserves. All outdoor hikes and walks are subject to weather conditions and/or date changes. Please check this website for updates. Always wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the weather conditions and varied terrain. Bring water and snacks with you on the trail. Call (207) 647-4352 for more information.